Praying When I Am Stressed Series

I want to talk to you about turning to God prayer to destress your home for the next few minutes.

We launch a new series where we are looking at four attitudes that every home should have in the coming weeks.

I invite you to find Psalm 4 with me.

Children and parents are stressed! Parents face stress as they balance their needs at work with time with family. The Surgeon General reports that 4 in 10 parents face so much stress they cannot function most days.1 The Surgeon General reports found that 65 percent of parents and 77 percent of single parents report feeling lonely. Then, there is the “alarming” increase in the number of teens facing mental health issues.2 Children face stress from academic success, peer pressure, and dealing with divorced parents. People try Xanax, yoga, and meditation to destress.

Psalm 4 is a prayer for your family in times of distress. We know who wrote this psalm—David. And we also know it’s a prayer for times of stress. But we don’t know the exact reason for David’s distress. David shows us that prayer is a powerful antidote to the stress in our families and in our lives.

Today’s Scripture

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!

You have given me relief when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?

How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;

the Lord hears when I call to him.

Be angry, and do not sin;

ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Offer right sacrifices,

and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?

Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”

You have put more joy in my heart

than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:1-8).

Notice the inscription above verse one: “To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.” This was written so people would sing this psalm in worship. This is a public prayer or even a model prayer for when you are in times of trouble. Now, you’ll have to come back next week to hear me sing this ?. While I won’t sing today, I will preach it. And I will pray it with you.

1. Answer Me When I Call

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” (Psalm 4:1).

1.1 Answer Me

David begins his prayer with a request, “Answer me when I call,” at the beginning of verse 1. David’s prayer begins with a command, “Answer me.” He follows this with a second command, “Be gracious to me,” toward the end of verse 1. Then, at the very end of verse 1, he follows this with yet another command: “Hear my prayer.” Answer me, be gracious to me, and hear my prayer. He says he’s in distress and he needs God’s help.

1.2 Short Prayers

This is a short prayer – it’s only one verse long. Don’t overlook the power of short prayers. In a busy day packed with a million things to do, don’t overlook the power of short prayers. A short prayer like, “God, help me,” right at the moment something challenging is coming your way. You don’t have to kneel, lift your hands in the air, or even pray out loud. You can pray a silent “911 prayer” in your time of distress. Don’t overlook the power of short prayers.

1.3 I’m in a Tight Spot

The word “distress” in verse 1 in the original language means someone who’s in a tight corner. The words “Be gracious” mean to give us space, and they are an antonym for distress. Today, we speak about being in a tight spot. Lord, be gracious to me and get me out of this tight spot, Lord!

Families can get in tight spots. There’s the prayer you pray when your child tells you he has a science project due the next day. There’s the prayer you pray when you are dealing with financial stress raising kids. Families can get in tight spots.

1.4 What’s Wrong?

We don’t know the exact nature of the problem, but we can tell it must be a doozy from verse 2, “O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?” (Psalm 4:2).